Select Local Merchants

For two days every August, the oak-shaded land around Lake Metroparks Farmpark becomes home to a celebration of regional arts and gourmand culture as visitors gather to attend the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival. Representatives from more than 15 Ohio wineries participate in the festivities, pouring samples of locally produced table wines and fruit wines to please virtually any palate.
The celebration isn't limited to the confines of a wine glass, though. Three separate stages host performances by live bands, giving attendees an opportunity to tap their toes while enjoying a snack of freshly roasted corn, barbecue ribs, or funnel cake from one of the restaurants with booths on the grounds. Additionally, the festival features local artisans selling everything from handmade jewelry to clothing, and chefs leading cooking classes so visitors can learn the best way to filet a wine grape.

In addition to taking care of their humble horses, owners and experienced equestrians Michele and Randy Clark have been spreading the good word of horsemanship to riders of all abilities for the past 15 years. Semiprivate lessons allow the Clarks to give personalized attention and educate guests on grooming, tacking, and safe riding techniques in the Western or English discipline. With two barns, a 50'x80' indoor arena, and two pastures, students are welcome to hone their wrangling skills year-round.

Shakthi Paramasivam, the founder of Shakthi Unlimited, facilitates self-discovery by challenging participants to walk across a bed of hot coals. The 3.5-hour workshop begins with a primer on the history and safety of firewalking, which aims to shore up courage and increase feet's book smarts. Through introspective activities and discussions, the process helps reveal attendees' inner power and energy reserves to their barefooted selves. Prepared soles then get to test themselves by venturing across 10–20 feet of hot embers. The tangible challenge can serve as an emotional catalyst for attendees, who leave the event refreshed and ready to start tackling fears, goals, and anthracite quarterbacks.

Kirtland City Tavern serves tasty American-style cuisine.
Kirtland City Tavern is a jackpot for those looking for low-fat and gluten-free meal options.
Kirtland City Tavern's fully stocked bar is a perk for patrons who enjoy a fine wine (or more) with their meal.
Nothing can beat sharing a meal with friends and family. Come to Kirtland City Tavern for great food for any size party.
Sit outside at Kirtland City Tavern and soak up the sun on those nice summer days.
Music lovers can enjoy live performances at Kirtland City Tavern as well.
Reserve your table ahead of time if you're heading over to the restaurant on a Friday and Saturday — it can get quite crowded during the weekend.
Always five minutes behind schedule? Pick up your food to go instead.
Feed the gang at your next get-together with catering from Kirtland City Tavern as well.
If you're driving, be sure to take advantage of the nearby lot.
Prices are reasonable, with a typical meal running under $30.
Cash is the only payment method accepted by Kirtland City Tavern.
Head on over to Kirtland City Tavern first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening — Kirtland City Tavern is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bally enshrines exercise classes, calorie-burning equipment, and a fitness-focused staff within its sanctuaries of health. A 30-day membership includes access to a spread of group exercise classes, including Pilates, Reaction Cycling, and Step Fitness (class offerings vary by location). For self-guided worker-outers, cardio equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines, cross-trainers, and stair climbers torch calories while entertaining the brain with video entertainment and integrated music systems that occasionally whisper quotes from Charles Atlas. Bally also boasts an array of strength machines, free weights, and small-apparatus equipment, and grants gym-goers access to on-site locker rooms, showers, and, at some locations, a pool and steam room. Visit each location's webpage for a list of specific amenities and the lineup of classes.

The grappling fighting style known as jujitsu first came to Brazil in 1914 stored in the hands and mind of Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese immigrant and master of the art. He only stayed a year, but it was enough time to plant the seeds for a new jujitsu academy in Brazil. One of the first students at that academy was Hélio Gracie.
Hélio absorbed the fighting style quickly, adapting many of the techniques to suit his small frame. He discovered methods of leverage that allowed him to execute joint locks, choke holds, and takedowns on much larger opponents, forming the core of his new Gracie jujitsu method. Ultimately, Hélio's son Royce brought the fighting style to America, famously winning UFC 1, 2, and 4 by defeating opponents many times his own size. Suddenly, Americans lined up to learn this newly unveiled Brazilian fighting style, demonstrating their eagerness by folding themselves inside a box and shipping themselves south.
Relson Gracie, Hélio's second oldest son, chose to be an ambassador of his family's fighting style. He was already teaching abroad when his little brother Royce skyrocketed Brazilian jujitsu to popularity. He founded his first school under the name Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Hawaii, and as the art became popular, he opened new branches of his academy all across the United States. Today, he visits more than 40 academies and associations, sharing his knowledge with thousands of students. In his absence, he leaves instructors whom he personally trained to oversee the education of aspiring fighters.